In the Holy Bible, the Royal
History begins with the book of Samuel. When Samuel, the prophet of God took
charge, the people were in an awful state. They had practically rejected God,
and we hear them asking for an earthly king (1 Samuel 8:4-7). This book may be divided under the names of three
chief characters –
·
Samuel, the prophet (1 Samuel 1-7)
·
Saul, the king (1 Samuel 8-15)
·
David, the chosen king (1 Samuel 16 – 31)
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Saul, the first king of Israel
was a failure. He was handsome to look at, was tall and a noble man. He started
out splendidly. He proved to be an able military leader. He was humble at
first, but we find him becoming proud and disobedient to God (1 Samuel 8-15). No man had a greater opportunity
than Saul and no man ever was a greater failure. When Saul failed, Samuel was
faithful in warning him, then in loneliness he mourned over him (1 Samuel 15:35). In a battle with the Philistines,
Saul and his three sons met death. Here a life so full of promise ended in
defeat and failure. God sees your heart. Saul tried to defend himself with
excuses when sinned, instead of confessing. World may take your excuses, but
God sees your heart and knows your intentions.
David, Jesse’s son and the
great-grandson of Ruth and Boaz, was born in Bethlehem. He was the youngest of
eight sons. When he was only eighteen, God told Samuel to anoint him king to
succeed Saul. As a boy he tended his father’s sheep, and we read of his brave
deeds in defending them from wild beasts (1Samuel
16-31). One of the most charming stories of friendship is found between
David and Jonathan, Saul’s son.
When David was promoted to a high
command in the army, his great success roused the jealousy of Saul who
determined to kill him. He made five attacks on David’s life (1Samuel 19:10, 15, 20-21, 23-24). But God
preserved David. David was delivered from all these dangers. When God is with
us, no one can put us down. They may attack us, but cannot win over us. “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
– Romans 8:31. David grew under his trials and afflictions. Instead
of letting Saul’s hatred his heart, he returned love for hate. Twice was Saul’s
life in David’s hand but both times he spared Saul. After Saul and his sons
were killed by the Philistines David’s exile ended.
Saul died on the field of battle
by his own hand. Advantages and opportunities in youth never guarantee success
in manhood. One must keep true to God. Saul’s undoing was not so much disobedience,
as half-hearted obedience (1 Samuel 15).
He was a victim of human pride and jealousy. This book teaches us two things.
One - Not to have pride. When we have pride, jealousy will arouse the moment we
see someone blessed above us. The second thing is to walk close with God and
God will take on our enemies and protect us to go ahead in life.
Praying that you chose the second
way and go ahead in life to live a testimonial life.